Anonymous,

There are really 2 separate issues going on with these videos.

1) Streaming live video isn't something we have the ability to do internally. Perhaps someday we will be able to accomplish it, but right now, sites like ustream, stickam, etc. have a dedicated staff and still struggle with quality, reliability, and scalability. My suspicion is that they use flash because it works really good for streaming video on the web. I don't know of an open format way to do it. If there is a way, please let us know!

2) Our ultimate goal is to get Linux into the hearts, hands, and minds of the most people possible. Yes, as a staff we need to make a living, but really, a person doesn't join the staff of a Linux publishing company if they aren't passionate about open source. I want to reach EVERYONE. I want EVERYONE to hear about Linux. I want those people that would have no reason to come to linuxjournal.com to be drawn here by our videos. I want angry Digg users that are fed up with Windows to follow a link here and learn about open source. I want high school and college students that are using Windows 98 to stumble across our Facebook page, and maybe find a way to get more use out of their aging home computer with Linux. I want the message of FOSS and Linux to get in the proprietary corners of the world -- and if I get a little dirty in the process, well, I'm willing to do so.

I want people to choose to love Linux. In order for that to happen, they'll first have to learn about it. That's something I'm passionate about, and something I go to great lengths to accomplish.

Oh, but before I close -- I'll make sure to include an OGG/Theora version of our videos from now on. Someday, hopefully that format will be all I need to post. :)

Shawn Powers is an Associate Editor for Linux Journal. You might find him chatting on the IRC channel, or Twitter